Sega originally acquired Atlus in 2013, but the two companies continued to operate separately in the years that followed. But they’ve been growing closer in 2017, and this year’s E3 Expo marks the first time that Sega and Atlus are presenting a joint booth to the industry.

As you might expect, the Sega half of the booth will be anchored by Sonic the Hedgehog… more specifically, this Summer’s Sonic Mania and this Fall’s Sonic Forces. Both games will share space with two upcoming Yakuza games (Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza Kiwami), as well as Total War: Warhammer II and a bevy of Atlus-branded RPGs.

“We’re really pleased to see Yakuza and Sonic back on the biggest stage for video games, and having the first public hands-on for Total War: Warhammer II underlines a really strong showing from Sega and Atlus this year,” said John Clark, the Senior Vice President for Sega Europe. “We look forward to welcoming trade visitors but we’re especially looking forward to having the public come and see our line-up this year, it’s great for E3 and it’s great for publishers. We’re confident there’s something for everyone on the Sega stands this year.”

The 2017 E3 Expo opens its doors this Tuesday, June 13, and you can find Atlus and Sega’s full lineup after the break. (more…)

Atlus has announced plans to release Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth in North America this Fall. The dungeon-crawling RPG for the 3DS was originally released in Japan last year. According to Atlus, Etrian Odyssey V’s North American debut will be fully voiced in English, and offer fans a bevy of new features:

Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth Features

A Choose-Your-Own-Odyssey Feel – Starting with the creation of your party to exploring the uncharted labyrinth of the Yggdrasil Tree, Beyond the Myth is all about choosing how your own adventure unfolds. Test your survival skills by wisely navigating the winding floors of Yggdrasil, using shrewd tactics when battling gruesome beasts, making the right decisions during various “scenarios,” and more. To meet these challenges, the home base city of Iorys is ready for all your buying/selling, recruiting, and information-gathering needs!

Gameplay Fit for a True Pathfinder – It wouldn’t be an Etrian Odyssey game without the life-or-death need to map your progress. For those new to the series, the bottom screen of the 3DS displays a top-down, tile-based map that must be filled out while dungeon crawling. Players can use the map to mark the locations of treasures, doors, enemies, environmental obstructions, and more. Expect the unexpected at every turn–and then make a note on the map so it’s not so unexpected next time!

Epic Turn-based Battles – There’s a reason why no one has ever reached the top of Yggdrasil. Dangerous creatures and utterly terrifying FOEs–high-level mini-bosses, for you newcomers–roam the labyrinth on every floor, so prepare to test your mettle with challenging turn-based battles. Proper planning is a must and balancing strong party composition is absolutely crucial for success. You’ll need the right team to unleash Union Attacks and level the playing field!

Expanded Character Creation and Customization – With four unique races, 10 distinct classes, more customization options than any previous game in the franchise, and a streamlined skill tree/class advancement, you can shape a party to whatever your heart desires.

A Magical Art Style and Score – Longtime series illustrator Yuji Himukai and renowned composer Yuzo Koshiro return to add their signature magic to the art and music in the game.

The first trailer for Etrian Odyssey V: Beyond the Myth has been embedded above.